Memories of Michael Jackson

I was nine years old when I first heard about the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. I was playing in my room one evening when my brother came to get me. There was a special on TV where Oprah was interviewing Michael Jackson and my brother wanted me to see it.

I asked my brother who Michael Jackson was and he explained that Michael was a singer; a very talented singer so I was to find out.

I followed my brother downstairs and into the living room. He pointed to the TV and there was Michael with light skin, dark hair and beautiful eyes. My very first impression of Michael was that he was gorgeous. Then when I heard him sing, I was captivated. Add the moonwalk and other fluid dance moves to the list and I knew I had myself a new favorite singer.

I was embarrassed when one of Michael's dance moves involved him grabbing his privates. My mother thought these actions were grotesque and sadly, didn't care for the singer at all. I looked past this gesture and continued to like Michael.

During the same week, my brother bought me one of Michael's albums called Dangerous. I listened to that cassette until I knew all the songs and until the tape deck ate it up. My brother bought me a new cassette, but it was no use. I wore that one out too. Eventually, I had to buy the CD.

I have followed Michael's career since then and now own all of his albums, on CD, of course, so I can't wear them out, or have to worry about the tape deck eating them. I was looking forward to new CD from Michael, but sadly now that won't happen.

Watching Michael perform was encouraging to me as a child. He taught me it was okay to be myself and not to let what other people say, sway you in another direction.

Michael was highly creative in his work, especially with his music videos and with the clothes he wore. I was inspired to explore my creative side and learned that I liked computers, writing, painting, decorating, gardening and working with wood. With my clothes, I wore whatever I felt comfortable in, not what was in fashion.

I had a friend who also liked Michael and she would visit and we would watch Michael's music videos. All the while we would be swooning, like the typical girls we were. Even in school, when liking Michael was "uncool," my friend and I continued to like Michael anyway.

My favorite album of Michael's will always be Dangerous, though I do not have a favorite song of his. Moonwalker will always be my favorite of his music videos.

When you look back at your life and think of all the people, or the environments that have influenced you, or inspired you, you may just be surprised who or what pops up. It's never one thing that defines you, but a multitude of things. Michael Jackson just happened to be on the list of people who influenced me growing up.